TWENTY-SECOND ADVENTURE
HOW THE HUNS RECEIVED KRIEMHILD
I
Kriemhild at Zeissenmauer remain'd till the fourth day;
On the roads, while there she rested, the dust no moment lay.
It seem'd the land was burning, so smok'd each hoof-beat plain,
As Etzel's men through Austria came trampling on amain.
II
When to the monarch's hearing the joyful tidings came.
How stately through his country rode the Burgundian dame,
All sorrow in a moment was from his heart effac'd;
To meet his love and lady he spurred with burning haste.
III
Good knights of many a region and many a foreign tongue
Prick'd before King Etzel, that all the champaign rung;
Christian and heathen squadrons, careering wide around,
Advanc'd in dazzling splendor to where the queen they found.
IV
Chiefs from Greece and Russia in crowds were there to meet;
Polacks and Wallachians there were spurring fleet.
Each his fiery charger had in due command;
Each display'd the customs of his own native land.